I would describe the best "second-tier" academics I've encountered as mostly fitting the "parents money" archetype. They're not the uber geniuses who flit to t

I would describe the best "second-tier" academics I've encountered as mostly fitting the "parents money" archetype. They're not the uber geniuses who flit to the top, but since the toxic incentives aren't as important to them due to their financial independence they get to focus on the work which ultimately pays dividends in their career.